Magic Vs. Hawks

The Orlando Magic finished off the Bobcats last week on Monday. A week later and they still haven’t played their second round opponent. The Atlanta Hawks destroyed the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday to advance to the next round of the playoffs. On Tuesday they will face Orlando, a team well rested.

Following the game seven victory, the public-address announcer in Atlanta yelled, "We're headed to Disney World!" For the Hawks, that may not be the best of news. The Hawks are just 1-3 against the Magic this season and have had no answer for Dwight Howard. Howard could use this series to bounce back from a foul riddled first round series with the Charlotte Bobcats.

The Hawks and Magic are all too familiar with each other. The Southeast rivals play a guaranteed four times a season, and for the past three seasons both clubs have advanced to new heights. This year the Hawks will attempt to advance beyond the 2nd round while the Orlando Magic strive for a championship with anything else being a failure.

The Hawks barely have time to rest after almost being eliminated by a sub par Milwaukee team. Jamal Crawford said it best, "As athletes, we're kind of creatures of habit. We've been playing nonstop, and they've had off for a week. So, hopefully, they could be a little rusty and we can go in there and steal a game or two."

The Magic must be aware of the Hawks and their resilient defense. The Hawks defense created a horrid shooting performance from a Bucks team that could have eliminated them in Milwaukee two days prior.

The Hawks themselves must recognize who they are playing. Dwight Howard alone presents a problem the Bucks could not offer with their center Andrew Bogut injured.

Howard will be physical and will look to bully fellow all-star Al Horford who was the bully against the defenseless Bucks. Horford was able to grab rebounds and block shots at will with fellow high-flyer Josh Smith. Against the Magic, any defensive mistake can lead to a Howard dunk or a daggering three pointer.

The Magic are aiming for Howard to make correct passes to open perimeter shooters. When he does so, the Magic function in full cylinder and become nearly impossible to defend.

The series appears to be exciting. The Magic are eager to advance to the Finals again, while the Hawks look to reach new heights.

Time to be half Amazing again

Vince Carter was brought to the Orlando Magic last summer to be the go-to guy down the stretch of big games. The virtual replacement for Hedo Turkoglu has big shoes to fill, and the time to fill them is now.


The 2010 NBA Playoffs have arrived. After the first-round matchup against the Charlotte Bobcats, Vince Carter was anything but consistent. The ensuing matchup against the Atlanta Hawks will give Carter one more chance to prove he is the solution down the stretch before they run into either Boston or Cleveland.

In previous match-ups against Atlanta, Boston, or Cleveland, Carter has performed well. Carter made big plays and executed with some timely passing in at least one game against all three elite teams. However if the playoffs have shown anything to the Orlando Magic besides Dwight Howard’s foul trouble, it’s Carters disturbing unpredictable play.

For most of the series Vince Carter was a non-factor. The sweep of the Bobcats is misleading considering the Magic had problems with keeping Howard in the game and keeping Carter aggressive. Without Jameer Nelson the Magic may have been in a long series against a great defensive Bobcats team.

Carter is most effective when he is aggressive. Van Gundy may draw up certain plays this series to get his shooting guard going.

In a contest against Cleveland earlier this season Carter stepped up and attacked the rim as the game went down the wire. Nelson and Carter began playing pick and post basketball. The Cavaliers had Anthony Parker on Carter and Mo Williams on Nelson. As Carter set the pick, Parker and Williams switched and Carter had the easy matchup against the smaller Mo Williams. Besides a pick and roll with Howard and Carter, this is one of the more effective plays for Carter.

Carter proved at that time he can be a difference maker.

On Carter’s first touch in the final five minutes he drew a foul off of the switch and made both free throws. The following possession Carter caught the ball wide open, as both Cavalier players failed to switch onto him. Carter had breathing room and delivered a thunderous dunk. Carter then made a left handed layup again when the defenders switched. On the ensuing drive, Mo Williams defended a Carter screen and with the shot clock winding down Carter jumped over Parker and drilled a tough acrobatic shot.

The eight points were crucial and not surprising because Cater was aggressive. His passing on the next three plays led to eight points and an important victory over Cleveland.

For roughly five minutes the Orlando Magic saw Carter’s full potential. It was exactly what Orlando needed to win.

Now that the playoffs have started, aggressive play is the only way Carter will match the productivity of Turkoglu. If an aggressive and prolific Carter shows up, the Orlando Magic may even have some hardware in June. That’s how important it is.

Foul on You

Dwight Howard became a mockery in the recent playoff series against the Charlotte Bobcats. His foul trouble limited him to average 28 minutes a game throughout the series. Howard is usually a master at avoiding fouls, blocking 2.8 shots per contest. It’s no surprise that he plays physical, but fouling out of games is not a familiar scenario for Howard.

Already the youngest player ever with two NBA defensive player of the year awards, Howard felt disrespected by the referees. He claimed a lack of "star" treatment when compared to the likes of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. In his blog he stated, "I just don't see other star players getting called for fouls the way I get them. No star player in the league is outta games the way I am."

Well Howard, there must be some self-evaluation and self-responsibility here. The fouls have somewhat been accurate for the exception of some unavoidable collisions, which usually go either way. When Howard starts reaching in against point guards, the referees will not give him the benefit of the doubt.

The Magic center is not playing great basketball he wanted to show off this post season. However, following the first four games of the 2010 playoffs he can’t complain. Orlando was the first team to get their tickets punched into the second round. Advancing despite Howard’s limited minutes shows the depth of the Orlando Magic.

Howard may expect star treatment, but whom is he comparing himself to? LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Kevin Durant? These guys are all slashers and pure scorers. Amare Stoudemire may be the best comparable player, but again he is a pure scorer, Howard is not. Howard has far greater defensive assignments than all of those “stars.” He has to contest almost every shot in his vicinity and he doesn’t have to score nearly as much so it’s hard for him to gage whether he is being treated fairly.

Howard has gotten away with a lot of contact and because he is so strong it does appear somewhat abusive against other centers when he’s fighting for position. Of course smaller guys tend to flop, and those are hard fouls to accept. Yet when Howard reaches in or swipes down on players, it’s relatively easy to call a foul on him. Wade, James, and Bryant all tend to guard passive offensive players unless they must absolutely guard the opposing teams best player, thus foul calls against them tend to be limited.

Howard must focus his attention on altering shots and playing smart on the offensive end. His offensive foul rate is alarming, and if flopping is the reason for that, Howard might have to get with the program and flop with the flopper because he continues to find himself on the wrong side of the a entanglement.

Being smarter with his lower body instead of flaring his elbows and arms are a smart way to avoid cheap calls. The best strategy defending Howard is to get the biggest and strongest center frustrated. It has worked, even though the Magic keep winning.

Against the Hawks, Howard will have a chance to showcase his defensive skills. Lets hope the bobcats were just a friendly reminder that even the defensive player of the year can be a target if he gets lazy or unfocused.

Tim Tebow

"With the 25th overall pick, the Denver Broncos select... Tim Tebow, quarterback, Florida." Immediately following the selection thousands of Bronco fans in harmony sang the same tune, "whattttt?" The 75th NFL draft saw plenty of unexpected moves, the biggest perhaps being that of the Denver Broncos selecting the semi-endorsed quarterback Tim Tebow. The draft board looked recognizable to experts following the first two draft selections. The rest of the first round saw many drops and some exciting and unexpected eye-openers. The Broncos selecting Tebow not only opened eyes, it ripped some out. What is the sense behind the 25th selection?

The Denver Broncos in particular represent an unlikely destination for the legendary college quarterback. Their key needs were quite clear. The gapping hole Brandon Marshall left on his way to South Beach was impossible to ignore, while the aging defense behind captains Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins are a step closer to fossilization. The defensive end position has been an issue for most of the 2000's, and the once running back safe haven of Denver, has yet to see an impact running back since Clinton Portis in 2005. Where does Tim Tebow fit into the puzzle?

Josh McDaniel’s, the Head Coach of the revamped Broncos, has all but erased any linage connecting to former coach Mike Shanahan and any of his previous roster transactions. Pro Bowler's Jay Cutler, and Brandon Marshall were eliminated in a 12-month period. The rest of the former 2008 Broncos team, little by little withered away, month by month on the waivers list. Last season A 6-0 start made the youthful coach appear brilliant, yet his 2-8 finish down the stretch clarified some early convictions.

Speculations for the unexplainable moves and selections would lead to his coaching birthplace, New England; the pinnacle of success within the last decade. The philosophy powered by Bill Belichick prides itself on a team mentality of high character guys. The star power isn't a necessity, instead heart and effort is a primary requirement, and the coaching and management is the wizard on the team of OZ.

The pieces are scattered on the Mile High chessboard, with Tim Tebow keeping everyone guessing whether he will be a pawn, rook, or king. Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn were ready for a starting dual, now Timmy the kid might be the last man standing.

If the message of high character guys is the song, McDaniel’s is getting the right dance crew. Tim Tebow has been painted as a high character for years. Perhaps a bigger story going untold is the selection of Demaryius Thomas over the flashy Dez Bryant. Again, it represents another high character move.

It isn’t a stretch to say McDaniel’s is already digging his grave, he's chipping a hole into his boat, or he's committing roster and management suicide. Talent has always been a catalyst for success. If the high character guys of Denver don’t equal talent, we may see another roster genocide and a new face at the helm sooner than later.

McNabb Moves Forward

If there is one NFL team that has been successful in cutting ties with players almost immediately before they lose value and plateau, it’s the Philadelphia Eagles. However they too make mistakes. With the trading of Donovan McNabb, the Eagles let go of a franchise quarterback who led them to 5 NFC Championship games in eleven seasons. This may be a big mistake.

It’s simple to just assume the Eagles were ready to move forward in a different direction, perhaps look to begin a new era. As many franchises do in several sports, this makeover could mean the team just felt the window of opportunity closed. The Detroit Pistons blew up their roster in 2008 after their team went to several Eastern Conference Championship games. Their GM, Joe Dumars, felt the team had hit flat ground and key pieces were dealt and let go.

As McNabb continues to age, the Eagles may have also felt his production was only going to decline, and with no intention of paying the quarterback big money, the only solution was for McNabb to cash in out of town.

Kevin Kolb has been introduced as the new starter to replace McNabb. The Eagles interestingly traded McNabb to a rival team. Many inside sources say this is not at all surprising from McNabb’s camp considering he seemed unhappy he was traded to begin with. Thus he wanted to control his destiny. Allegedly McNabb threatened to retire if he was to be traded to Oakland, and ultimately he selected the Redskins who already brought in Hall-Of-Fame coach Mike Shanahan.

The decision may be one the Eagles regret. As they did last year, they want to avoid paying their older stars big money and essentially they simply let them go. Brian Dawkins was a victim of this last season after the Eagles refused to resign him. Dawkins later found great success in Denver proving he still had a lot of ball to play. McNabb looks to do the same thing, and lucky for him, he will have multiple opportunities to do so against the Eagles.

McNabb made sure to reference his new coach Mike Shanahan during his recent press conference. He spoke of Shanahan’s experience and how he worked with John Elway in the later stages of Elway’s career. Two Super Bowl rings were the result. Finding success with McNabb is something Mike Shanahan can accomplish, and winning a Super Bowl is something McNabb can certainly still achieve, especially if it comes at the expense of the Eagles who left him for dead.

Orlando is "Home"

Tracy Mcgrady recently stated he would be open to a return with the Orlando Magic. Is this the same Me-Mac that requested a trade out of Orlando in the summer of 2004?

How ironic is it that McGrady now wants to return to the place he so desperately fled when things went astray. T-Mac was so concerned with salvaging his career by not playing on a losing team. He managed to get traded to a playoff team that would never advance to the second round.

Now the sad story of McGrady has reached new heights. Not only has he ended up on the Knicks after the woeful Rockets decided to bench him, he finds himself in the same situation he was in before he requested a trade in Orlando, he’s playing for a losing team.

McGrady has had a long history of injuries that have hurt his career. It has also led to incomplete seasons and was a big part of his eventual departure out of Houston.

Now recently traded to New York, McGrady reportedly was texting LeBron James inviting him to sign with the Knicks. The once prolific All-Star is now saying money is no longer an issue. With big free agents eyeing New York, accepting the roll of a pawn is just fine if it will calculate into a winning formula.

Now as the Magic contend for a championship, McGrady watches as his cousin Vince Carter runs the show. Let’s not forget McGrady become a perennial superstar in Orlando.

While remembering the last days of McGrady’s stay with Orlando, lets remember some trivial things. T-Mac did not want the Magic to draft Dwight Howard in 2004. He said it would take too long for the Center to develop his game, time he refused to wait for. The decision to draft Howard, 5 days before McGrady would be dealt meant the end of his run in Orlando. McGrady admitted that he didn’t play hard on every possession, and rarely supported his teammates who called him a team captain. He left town, and the Magic have yet to regret their decision.

McGrady has failed to pan out his excessive talent. Once leading the league in scoring, McGrady has been injured every season since and his numbers have drastically declined. He was rarely used in Houston this season as the coaches felt he was more of a cancer than a solution.

The Magic are contenders. Older players in the ladder stage of their careers look to play for contenders in the hope of winning a championship before retirement. McGrady is another one to add to the list, except we are talking about a return and I'm not too sure one would be welcomed from the guy who wanted out when the times were bad. Sure he's talented, but it’s kind of like the hot girl who dates the guy for his money. When the situation was bad, T-Mac wanted no part, now that the man is rich, guess who wants to, "come home."

Stan Van Gundy

The heavy set guy shouting at half court is the head coach of the Orlando Magic, Stan Van Gundy. His Magic are cruising in the fourth quarter with a 20-point cushion, yet Van Gundy is irate after a Magic defensive breakdown. Despite the lead, the coach was sure he was not about to let it go unnoticed.

Dwight Howard often mimics his coach, yelling in a joking tone. It’s a nice release for Howard who knows his coach is at best uptight. Brutally Direct probably exemplifies Van Gundy. He rarely smiles, and if he does its usually sarcastic in nature. The coach of the Orlando Magic may be tough and hardy but its clear he is knows how to coach.

With a 215-75 record in just his third season with the Magic, his success as a coach has been unprecedented. His motto of “defend and rebound, everything else will fall into place,” has provided a stingy defensive team behind the 2010 defensive player of the year, Dwight Howard. The Magic haven’t dipped below the 50 win margin since Van Gundy’s arrival. First he helped the Magic advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time in 10 years. A year later he propelled the Magic into the bright lights of the Finals, a feat that hadn’t been done since 1995. Now the Orlando Magic have established themselves as consistent contenders.

Following a disappointing sweep at the hands of the Detroit Pistons in 2007, the Magic fired head coach Brian Hill. The coach of Florida University, Billy Donovan, was the primary choice when it came to finding a replacement. Donovan pulled a no-show at the altar and Van Gundy was there to pick up the bride. The Magic, after being rejected by Donovan, looked to Stan Van Gundy. It proved to be a lucky break for a Magic front office which had made many ill advised roster transactions and hiring’s up to that point. Van Gundy quickly showed interest in the position, and ever since has proved his hiring was the best decision for the rising Franchise.

Riding the gigantic shoulders of Dwight Howard, Van Gundy was building a winning team. He consistently pressured Howard demanding everything and more from his perennial All-Star. Howard was instructed to focus on rebounding and defense. It since has had a huge impact on his success as leads the league in rebounds and blocked shots. The transaction of Rashard Lewis and the emergence of Hedo Turkoglu gave Van Gundy mismatches which he used to exploit defenses. The Magic suddenly saw Howard elevate his game, and the Magic had a winning formula. As a coach, Van Gundy has been able to get the best out of his players.

Van Gundy certainly wasn’t the shinning knight Billy Donovan was to be. He was not riding a white horse, but his success has proven he was the correct man for the job. The Magic are maturing as Van Gundy continues to hold every single player accountable on every play. As the playoffs arrive, the Magic look to make noise again, aiming for an NBA Title. As for Van Gundy, you can always count on him to make some noise as well.

Matt Barnes

Matt Barnes is Gritty. Kobe Bryant wasn't phased by Barnes, but you could tell the superstar was not getting everything he wanted. Kobe was guarded by Barnes and Mickael Pietrus throughout the game. Bryant had a chance to tie the game as time expired. With Barnes on him, Kobe missed the shot far left and the Magic escaped with a victory.

The Finals rematch between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers was electric. With the game getting physical, both teams played tough playoff style basketball. The atmosphere alone was reminiscent of the Finals, with the Orlando Magic proving they weren't going to be pushed around again.

Nobody sent that message out clearer than Matt Barnes. A slight elbow by Kobe Bryant into Barnes began a confrontation. Many players would not dare to begin a dispute with Kobe Bryant. Kobe gave Barnes a stare and as the Magic were attempting to throw the ball in, Barnes faked a pass into the face of Bryant as if to dodge the ball. Bryant did not flinch.

The game continued to get physical. Howard and Gasol exchanged elbows. In one sequence Howard blocked Gosal, and Gosal retaliated by drawing a key foul on Howard. Howard later in the game dunked on Gosal after they were tangled up on a previous possession.

Last season the Magic made it to the Finals, perhaps prematurely. They lacked a physical and mental toughness. This season with Barnes and a tougher Howard, the Magic look new and improved. Against a Laker team which is perhaps the toughest in the league, the Magic held their own.

Barnes had been a veteran pick-up by the Magic in the summer. Now he has become a starter and his value on the defensive end is unprecedented. Barnes allows Pietrus to come off the bench. The two combined, present a great tag team when defending elite players like Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.

Recently Barnes and Lamar Odom have been exchanging words on Twitter following Sunday's match. Odom saying that it was the last time the teams would meet, (insinuating their would be no Finals rematch)said Barnes played like a "super hero." Barnes picked up the sarcasm. His twitter response went something like this, "Morning yall up early w/ the babies watchn Dora. Seems Lamar can’t keep my name out his mouth maby I need 2 put my sons shitty diaper n it." Barnes gives the Magic a new toughness,even if it involves twitter.

Playing with a Big Heart

The reemergence of Jameer Nelson has brought the Orlando Magic back into contention form. Nelson has been hobbled with various injuries over the past two seasons. As an All-Star reserve last year, Nelson gained league recognition as the NBA coaches voted him into a reserve spot. Nelson has since established himself as a solid point guard. His leadership and consistent play will make the Magic a tough team in the upcoming playoffs.

With Rafer Alston at the helm, the Magic were able to reach the NBA Finals. Nelson made an unlikely return but his heroics fell short and the Magic lost to the Lakers in five games. Many questioned the coaching decision to play Nelson in the Finals series. He clearly was not in his best playing form, and many felt it destroyed the team chemistry.

Now that Nelson is playing consistent, the Magic are legitimate contenders. His ability to penetrate off of the screen and roll opens up perimeter shots and easy lobs for Dwight Howard. He also presents a threat as a scorer. Nelson has a solid inside-outside game and his chemistry with Howard has created a spike in the center's offensive production. As the team captain since 2006, Nelson has proven himself as a leader.

Against other Eastern Conference point guards Nelson has held his own. Mo Williams of the Cleveland Cavaliers replaced Nelson in last season’s All-Star game. This season Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics earned an All-Star reserve spot. All three guards have led their teams to top records in their respective divisions. Williams is a great shooter but lacks the ability to dribble and drive effectively, Rondo is a fantastic passer and driver, but lacks a consistent shooting touch. Nelson is both able to drive and shoot with ease. His height has made it harder for him to drive, but with Howard in the middle, a lob pass can get a quick bucket.

Nelson has made several big shots in his career including one against the Lakers last season, and a couple against the Cavaliers this past month. The little point guard from Chester, Pennsylvania has a big heart and a fearless mentality. Now coming off of two serious injuries, its safe to say he has made a name for himself and has proven his resiliency. During the postseason Nelson will get a chance to prove the Magic are a different animal when he is healthy and in the driver's seat.

Guilty Conscience

Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall recently testified that he may have “escalated” an altercation which led to the killing of teammate Darrent Williams early on New Year’s Day 2007.

The first-degree murder trial involves Willie Clark, 26, as the alleged gunman. Another man, Daniel Harris, was also accompanying Clark the night of the altercation.
As a witness in the trial, Marshall remembered how he and another teammate approached Clark and Harris to defuse an altercation in the VIP section of a club in downtown Denver. Darrent Williams was sitting nearby with family and friends. A cousin of Darrent Williams allegedly began an argument after spraying Clark and Harris with champagne. Marshall initially thought nothing of it.

As the party concluded Clark and Harris threw up hand gestures towards Williams and his group reigniting the conflict. Marshall, angered by the continuation of the dispute, remembers antagonizing Clark and Harris, joking that they had no gun. He was wrong.

Marshall admitted he escalated the initial argument, “I kind of got angry at the time and probably escalated the situation, but I got angry because it was New Year's and we were trying to have fun.”
The anger may have also stem from earlier convincing a bouncer into allowing the men into the club. This upset Marshall because the men he advocated for eventually restarted the conflict later in the night and proved to be trouble.

With Marshall admitting his involvement in the murder of Darrent Williams, many interesting questions have arised. Does Marshall’s association to the murders have anything to do with his desire to leave Denver? Could it be attributed to his bad experience with the city, or the guilty feelings he has recently expressed during the trial? Other teammates experienced similar feelings which made playing in Denver virtually impossible.

Former Broncos receiver Javon Walker was in the vehicle when Williams was shot. The team soon grew critical of Walker’s mental state which led to his release in the offseason. Walker was noted for cradling Williams as he bled to death. Certain players close to Williams, or those involved in the altercation, soon departed from the team as well. Tatum Bell was traded, while good friend Al Wilson was released. Many felt Tatum Bell, a college teammate of Williams, no longer desired to play for the Broncos. Wilson was initially traded to the Giants, but after failing the physical, was released. Wilson, the defensive team captain, was also deeply affected by the murder and perhaps requested a trade.

This pattern shows the effects of the murder on certain players. Marshall perhaps desired to leave Denver much earlier because of the murder as well, or maybe it was the accumulated guilt concerning the escalation of the argument.

One thing is for sure, the trial involving the death of Williams proved hard for those involved. For Marshall it may present an opportunity to release suppressed emotions. The case not only provides justice for the vicious murder, but it may also create closure for Marshall. His departure out of Denver, which many believe is imminent, could be altered if the true source of his persistence to leave is understood.

Beast of the East

The Orlando Magic may be the smartest of the three leading Eastern Conference teams. They decided that their big trades and acquisitions would be in the offseason, not at the trade deadline. After a rocky start, the Magic have decided to wisely wait for those moves to produce. Their patience not only exhibits confidence, but it also yells out a message. The Magic are acting like defending champs should: Like they’re the team to beat.

The other two Eastern Conference giants seemed to do the opposite. The Boston Celtics recently picked up Nate Robinson to give them more consistent point guard play. The move sent sharp shooter Eddie House to the New York Knicks. The acquisition also shows a concerted effort to make the team more energetic, perhaps to better compete with the younger Eastern Conference teams.

The Cleveland Cavaliers perhaps created the biggest splash. With the best record in basketball, they also may have the best player. Yet the Cavaliers are desperate. They’re past concerned. Put it this way, they’re in emergency mode.

The Cavaliers were full of activity as the trade deadline neared. They made offers to any, and every big-name player who would insure they beat the Magic this year.

Worried? Please believe it. They virtually need a guaranteed championship and then plenty of prayers to keep LeBron James from leaving the Cavaliers for a bigger market. Another playoff ousting at the hands of the Magic could tip the ship over.

According to experts, the Magic are not headed for a Finals return. Really? The Magic not only beat the Cavaliers last year, but the hobbled Garnett-less Celtics even took the Magic to seven games. The Cavaliers lost in six, and truly it could have been in five had James missed the 36-foot miracle three-pointer in Game 2 of the conference finals.

I’m not even sure the Cavaliers believe they will beat the Magic. Their significant roster changes indicate they are preparing for a playoff hurricane, with the Magic directly in the eye of the storm.

Was it a coincidence that the Cavaliers so readily signed an aged Shaq? Or did they need someone to match-up against Dwight Howard? With efficient rebounders in Anderson Varejao, J.J. Hickson, and Zydrunaz IIgauskas, was there a need to seek an undersized power forward in Antwan Jamison? Or did they need a power forward to defend Rashard Lewis on the perimeter?

These questions linger, however one thing is for sure: The Eastern Conference champions will reign until they are dethroned. It seems as if the Cavaliers and the Celtics got the memo, now they just need to forward it to the “experts.”

Dwight Howard, Stop Smiling

Dwight Howard, stop smiling. You are the most dominant Center in the NBA. Coaches devise game plans and complex schemes to construct your downfall. Teams grant their bench warmers playing time for the sole purpose of deliberately fouling you. Point guards are told you can’t control the ball, so they swipe and slap your hands at any dribble attempt. You are alone in the paint, every single one of your teammates is positioned outside of the 3-point line, patiently waiting for a pass. All rebounds, and all blocks fall into your hands. Your responsibility is enormous. Referees are constantly being reminded to call offensive 3-seconds on you. Your opponents draw offensive fouls by flopping. Your frustration satisfies your foes. Dwight Howard, you are alone, why are you smiling?

If anything can limit the vast potential of Dwight Howard, it may come from an unlikely source. Elite NBA players are competitive, and anyone sporting a different logo is an adversary. Super Man’s benevolence and naïve character may be his kryptonite. He sometimes acts as if he is still on Team USA overseas. Howard fails to realize the most basic reality, that the best NBA players are fierce competitors. Friendships are pulled aside when a championship is at stake.

The nasty and ferocious competitive nature of Kobe Bryant makes him perhaps the most feared athlete in sports. NBA players who share a similar competitive approach include LeBron James, and Kevin Garnett. All of these competitors are willing to do whatever it takes to get a win. They establish a tough presence, and get into their opponents face when needed. This idea rarely crosses Howard’s mind.

Dwight Howard can certainly be more intense, or at least more emotional. The “good boy,” image is possibly caging the beast within him. Dwight Howard was recently seen chuckling and mingling after a loss, with friends of the Los Angeles Lakers. The game was televised nationally, and Howard’s actions were embarrassing. When in the history of mankind did you ever see Kobe Bryant or LeBron James joking after a loss? I understand the NBA is a fraternity of talented ball players, but the desire to win is a reality. Getting into an altercation with an Olympic or All-star teammate is not uncommon, especially when both athletes are competing against each other.

Howard has been easily frustrated this season. An avid Christian, Howard was recorded at a Pistons game saying someone would get “get F***** up” down low, if they kept fouling him. His technical fouls are at an all-time high. His toughness and aggression isn’t earning him these tough-guy brownie points, it’s his complaining.

Howard simply needs to act his size. An obvious enforcer statistically, Super Man just needs to get angry. After a dunk, why not yell and show a mean-face. Get angry. Instead, Howard just smiles and points to the passer. When he blocks a shot, why not scream, intimidate, and look thoroughly offended that someone tried to score in the paint. Instead, Howard pretends nothing happened and emotionlessly awaits the next defensive possession. When Howard’s team loses to another elite team, why mingle after the game? Just leave to the locker room, get livid, or at least show some grief. That is what competitive athletes do when they don’t win. There is no joking matter.

In the NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant ripped the ball out of Dwight Howard’s hands, and flared an elbow towards his face. Howard came up to Kobe in kinship, Olympic-teammate form, and asked, why did you do that? Kobe Bryant, aware of what was at stake, replied, “shut the f*** up and play ball.” Until Dwight Howard can get into Kobe's face, show more aggression, or fierce competitiveness, his potential will be capped. Howard’s muscles resemble that of a pit bull, however if Howard doesn’t get meaner, he and the Magic will be the poodles Paul Pierce so avidly twittered at the start of last year’s finals.

King James a No-Show

Lebron James was quick to enter his name into the 2010 Sprite Slam Dunk contest during the All-Star break a year ago. A year later and King James is a no-show. Instead he is replaced by the likes of Shannon Brown, DeMar DeRozan, Nate Robinson, and at least one all-star in Gerald Wallace. With no explanation, Lebron James misses yet another well anticipated opportunity to display his obvious dunking and high flying talents.

Is a dunk contest appearance in order for James? Does it have anything to do with his legacy?

Let’s look at other elite All-Star players to enter and win the dunk contest. .

Micheal Jordan, 1987, 1988
Kobe Bryant 1997
Vince Carter 2000
Dwight Howard, 2008

Michael Jordan, arguably the game’s greatest talent competed in three slam dunk contests and won two.

Kobe Bryant, perhaps the best player since Michael Jordan, won his first and only dunk contest.

Vince Carter, a perennial all-star at the time, lived up to his hype and won his only Dunk contest.

Dwight Howard, an All-Star Center won one of three slam dunk contests.

Lebron James is often compared to Kobe Bryant as both are regarded as the two best players in the NBA today. A dunk contest championship would only add to the King’s resume’. Does he owe it to us?

What do I think?

Lebron James is already cemented in NBA history as one of the greatest players of all time, even with just seven years in the league. He doesn’t quite need a dunk contest appearance to better his career. However it would be something that would certainly create excitement, and would fit neatly with the theme of dominant high-flying great players winning, or competing in dunk contests.

Lebron James owes it to us! Come on! If there was a year to participate in the contest, it would be this year with the lack of star power. I believe he will one day participate in the dunk contest, and when he does it will be a spectacle.

Technical Foul – Goes to Lebron himself who said he would primarily put his name on the 2010 dunk contest list. He left us all at the alter.

Did you see, VC?

Vince Carter, are you back?

Vince Carter recently erupted for 48 points in a game where the Orlando Magic may have needed him most. Following an impressive victory over the Boston Celtics, the Orlando Magic faced the New Orleans Hornets in a grueling back-to- back. The Magic appeared slow-footed early as they fell behind by as much as 17 in the first half. The Magic, in need of energy looked for Carter and he delivered.

The Fans could not believe the unexpected performance. Dwight Howard even poked fun at Vince Carter following the game for his uncharacteristic scoring output. An Orlando Magic fan on Realgm.com noted that the TNT broadcast crew also made several references to a changed revamped Vince Carter. “How many times throughout this video did Marv Albert say "And we're seeing a different Vince Carter." (See the TNT broadcast below) The widespread amazement in Carter’s performance sparked several questions. Is this Vince Carter here to stay?

What do I think?

Vince Carter has shown recent progress as a member of the Orlando Magic. He may be beginning to understand his role on the team. The idea is to not force much but to remain aggressive.

Keep in mind Carter excelled in a situation where he was the go-to guy. This is similar to his days in Toronto and New Jersey when Carter was the main scoring option. However in Orlando, this is not case with Dwight Howard down low, and Rashard Lewis on the perimeter. Thus the situation was calling for a Vince Carter eruption Monday night, Howard was in foul trouble and the team fell down by 17 points early. Carter became Orlando’s go-to-guy.

Carter had a terrible month of January averaging less than 10 points per game. In February he is averaging above 25 points per game. Carter usually avoids contact and has relied heavily on his jump shot as of late. The results are indicative in his monthly stats, its either feast or famine. The inconsistency in his offensive production is alarming considering he doesn’t provide much on the defensive side of the ball.

End Result: Vince Carter is effective when he is driving to basket as a slasher and passer. Until he can establish himself in this role, he will not completely replace the utility of Hedo Turkoglu and the Magic will not improve from a year ago.

Vince Carter’s 48 point performance is due to?

Let’s access our Technical foul to the terrible Hornets Defensive strategy. They allowed carter to get any shot he wanted. James Posey‘s defense was as embarrassing as Damon Jones underneath a Lebron James tomahawk dunk. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jUUMCvLPFU) No double team was considered and Carter dictated and took whatever he wanted as he scored over 30 points in the second half. Check out the description of the fourth quarter according to nola.com...

“Vince Carter is running circles through the Hornets' defenders. Carter's 15-foot jumper and 3-pointer has tied the score at 106 with 5:22 remaining. Carter has scored 38 points. The Hornets are unraveling…”

A final and honest assessment of Vince Carter's season can be reviewed when the playoffs arrive. Scoring 48 points is impressive, yet it means little in the grand scheme of things. Sadly, anything short of a finals appearance will be seen as a failure for the Orlando Magic and Vince Carter whether Vince does well or not.

Vince Carter's 48 point performance.





Fan Reaction Link: http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=985231
Nola.com http://www.nola.com/hornets/index.ssf/2010/02/new_orleans_hornets_vs_orlando_1.html

Saints March to Victory

The New Orleans Saints are your new Super bowl world champions. The Saints won their first championship and surprised the heavily favored Indianapolis Colts. Drew Brees was terrific and the Saints defense proved its resiliency. Terry Porter's 74 yard interception return for a touchdown picked took advantage of a rare Peyton Manning miscue. The Saints stunned the league after winning the Super Bowl following a season where they failed to make the playoffs.
The Colts, Super Bowl winners in 2007, were prepared for the electric atmosphere. The Saints, culprits of minor miscues early, appeared nervous and stunned in the early stages of the game. Marcos Colston dropped a perfect pass from Drew Brees eliminating a potential first down. The Colts scored the first 10 points of the game. The Saints got their usually high-octane offense moving soon after. The Colts were unable move the ball with ease as the game progressed. They experienced some tough dropped passes as well as defensive break downs. The biggest play ended up coming from Terry Porter who intercepted Manning and then ran it back for a score. The game became a double digit contest with 3 minutes left. The Colts could never recover. Let’s examine some of the reasons why the Colts lost.
What in the world happened to Peyton Manning? When the game mattered most and the Colts were in desperation to tie the game and perhaps the most reliable quarterback failed. However the results of the Super Bowl hardly fell independently on Peyton Manning’s shoulders. Instead we could always point a finger at Jim Caldwell for running the ball three times in a row in a horrible attempt to run the clock out at the end of the second quarter. Hey how about Pierre Garcon, must we remind you of the dropped pass which created a fourth down situation? If Garcon catches that, open field states more points would have been in order. Ohhh Reggie. I question whether Reggie Wayne truly is a number one Pro Bowl receiver but I keep my judgments inside, I’m sure Brandon Marshall would have made some of those tough grabs. Dropped passes, mistiming on routes, Mr. Wayne looked like the soft Colts receivers the Patriots ate for Sunday dinner a few years back. Dwight Freeney, his one sack in the first half certainly translated into a bum ankle in the second. His performance was valiant but it may have caused the defense to slow down. Drew Brees easily found each h receiver with ease. Let’s blame the Colts kicker good ol’ Matt Stover. What in the world are you doing pointing to the sky after a missed field goal? I guess at least one Colts player agreed it was God’s plan for the Saints to win. So let’s blame the Colts for their lack luster performance. The Colts that won the Super Bowl in 2007 were better and that’s why they won then. This year’s version played well through adversity but in the end lacked the big plays to finish with the championship.

Fireworks

The two best teams from each conference will face each other in the Super Bowl. The Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints both went undefeated for the earlier part of their season. It became clear that both teams were dominant and could face each other at the end of the year in Miami to play for it all.

Here is what needs to happen for a long anticipated Saints victory. The Saints will have to keep Peyton Manning on the sideline. That means that the Saints will have to do something they have excelled at all season, score a lot of points and provide a high dosage of running. The Saints will probably have to score roughly four to five touchdowns to put the pressure on the Colts offense to score and at least keep Manning under some form of pressure.

On Peyton Manning, the guy is a genius. Making Pierre Garçon look like an all-pro receiver never looker easier. Austin Collie looked like an upgraded Brandon Stokley against the Jets. The talent around Manning never seems to be an issue, he makes the best with his pieces and his detailed demeanor does not leave room for many mistakes. The Colts have the worst running game in the league and this still doesn't make Peyton's play-action a tad bit less effective.

The Colts defense will be without Dwight Freeney most likely due to terrible ankle injury. The Saints may benefit heavily from this. Drew Brees is coming off a record breaking season. His height has always been a topic of criticism yet his numbers are undeniably impressive and his consistency in recent years proves he is a star quarterback. The Saints have three fantastic running backs in their arsenal to show off on of the best running attacks in league. Mike Bell, the castaway from the Denver Broncos two years ago provides a tough running presence and a unique change of pace. Pierre Thomas is an all-around back with fantastic balance and strength. He is the featured back. Then you have Reggie Bush, a home run hitter with electric speed and unbelievable athleticism, he can change a game in seconds. The running attack will be critical especially if the Saints jump out in front and are able to hold on to the ball and win the time of possession battle.

My prediction is that the Saints will win 35 to 31. The Colts and the Saints will go back and forth scoring throughout the first half. The game will than become somewhat defensive towards the third and fourth quarters. The Saints will have the last possession down 28-31. They will score a touchdown with seconds left and win the championship.

The Colts have been here before but the Bears were no Saints. After beating two low scoring defensive teams in the playoffs, the Colts are entering a show of fire works, one which may have them steadily unbalanced and even shell shocked. The Saints fresh off of a tug-of-war match with the high scoring Vikings know scoring will be key, and it falls neatly into what they do best.

Pro Bowl Success

Long and Behold... the Pro Bowl was a success. Following a week of bashing, and complaining from many, the All-Star football contest not only was shown at night during prime-time, but it also generated the highest viewer ratings for a Pro Bowl since 2000. It was a steep increase from last years Pro Bowl. Around 8 million viewers tunned in to last years Pro Bowl following a Steelers Super Bowl victory. This past Sunday 12.3 million viewers tunned in. The outcome was obviously successful.

Many fans, experts, and even players bickered about this years Pro Bowl contest. First it was in Miami instead of Hawaii. This turned out to be a great move by the NFL in my opinion. The location allowed for 7:30 pm start eastern time which automatically makes the game more marketable for its viewers. The location of the Pro Bowl is also strategically the location for the Super Bowl. This allowed the Super Bowl environment to continue its buzz, which many also feared would be lost. Usually during the week before the Super Bowl there is no football played. The primary objective for this is to rest both competing teams while also stirring up momentum for the contest. The Pro Bowl certainly created buzz and it should be noted that fans did not have to wait a dreaded two weeks for football, they got to see a low-contact version of football with the leagues best players. At the same time now the Super Bowl has its buzz by becoming the final game of the year.

Recently players for both championship teams headed to the Super Bowl expressed frustration for not being able to land in Miami (Super Bowl Location) at the same time as their Pro Bowl teammates. Acknowledging those players who are in the Super Bowl for their Pro Bowl selections is imperative for the fans who voted those players in, and thus it is important that those players arrive in Miami earlier to be present at the game. The argument of separating teammates can create some emotional and chemistry issues if your team captain is not their to land with you as you enter the Super Bowl stadium. However lets be serious, a one day difference in arrival should not be taken so seriously. And besides that, the NFL will cater to where the money comes from and that is the fans. Players still have a week to build up whatever may have been lost in being unable to arrive with their Pro-Bowl teammates. As of now, expect this to become a pattern. Ratings talk. If there is any success in perhaps the least competitive all-star game of all sports, the NFL will make sure to juice it out.

Welcome to the Gun Show

Gilbert Arenas is gone for the rest of the Season. He was told by David Stern and the NBA if he doesn't appeal the season-long suspension than he wouldn't have to face the originally proposed 82 game suspension, the exact length of an NBA season. Gilbert Arenas has turned into a comic relief character in a gut wrenching satire where the super star athlete shoots himself in the foot, (almost lieteral). The suspension leaves the talented Washington Wizards guessing and waiting for another year if the Jamison,Butler, Arenas combo will ever earn them anything. Thus far Arenas has been nothing more than an expensive joke. The NBA went far to ensure their message was crystal clear that bringing guns to an NBA locker room is in no shape or form allowed or tolerated.

Lets be serious, what in the world was Gilbert thinking? Why bring a gun to the locker room? Was it for self defense? I'm sure when you make over 100 million dollars there are a few body guards willing to protect you. Instead the reports say Gilbert displayed the gun to Jarvis Crittenton after an altercation began involving a bet. So than what really was the purpose of the gun Gilbert? Was it to pretend to shoot Jarvis, was it to scare him, or was it a classic Hibachi stunt? Either way the idea of Arenas holding a gun makes me cringe, and allowing a the weapon into the locker room alone is alarming.

It always bugs me when professional athletes carry guns. I have yet to find a purpose. These are not rappers gunning in the streets or claiming to do so, feeling the necessity of a gun as protection from jealous street thugs. These are professional athletes contracted to sport teams who offer protection and require community service and constant supervision within their whereabouts.

It is sad to see Gilbert and for that matter Jarvis, spend a season sidelined by such an ignorant act. Arenas could still be facing jail time a reality often under-minded. In that case the season would have already been voided.

For Gilbert Arenas the show doesn't have to end here, now approaching the land beyond his prime, we can hope to find Arenas once more contributing to an NBA team in a positive manner. This time hopefully with more experience, wisdom, and maturity. When this happens, "Agent Zero" can fully expand his talent and help the NBA gain back its sense of humor which appears to have been shot down.